After a period of controversy culminating in last week’s resignation of David Reece, the former Associated Students of the University of Arizona executive vice president, the organization is working on finding a replacement.
ASUA President Erin Hertzog said the office will be accepting nominations – including self-nominations – for the position until 5 p.m. today. Interested nominees must submit a letter of intent by 5 p.m. tomorrow.
Hertzog said the nominees’ letters of intent will be reviewed by a “”really informal”” committee comprising members from different areas of ASUA, who will recommend their choice to her.
“”We just need somebody who’s willing to come in and take the reins,”” Hertzog said.
Reece resigned during Wednesday’s ASUA Senate meeting.
“”We just need
somebody who’s willing to come in and take the reins.””
– Erin Hertzog,
ASUA president
Hertzog said she wants candidates with knowledge of ASUA and its workings, who would be able to fulfill all the position’s duties as well as aid the transition of the next person elected to that position.
The task of finding a replacement normally falls on the ASUA president, but given recent events and the late time in the school year, Hertzog said she feels a selection committee is the best way to make the decision.
Jami Reinsch, ASUA administrative vice president, said she will be part of the committee.
“”I hope to see some real positive change in the executive branch,”” Reinsch said, adding that might precipitate positive changes in the organization as a whole.
Reinsch said she doesn’t know how many candidates there will eventually be but hopes there will be many. Nominations are open to anyone, she said, but she prefers people who are knowledgeable about ASUA and its policies.
Tommy Bruce, Hertzog’s chief of staff, said he thinks the selection process will be done “”as quick as possible”” and hopes a decision will be made by next week’s senate meeting.
Until then, Hertzog said Brad Burns, an ASUA senator, will chair the senate meetings, and other senators and workers within ASUA will help ensure everything operates as usual.
Hertzog said she hopes students don’t see a difference in how ASUA functions during the next week.
“”I think things are running smoothly so far,”” Hertzog said.
